Towards a more focused approach to loneliness: Seven active elements in loneliness interventions

Abstract

Over the years, a wide range of loneliness interventions for older adults have been developed. The majority of these interventions are not effective in reducing loneliness. In order to gain more insight into why many interventions do not achieve the desired goal, we examine active elements that are used in interventions into reduce loneliness. In order to achieve this goal, intermediate goals are needed: to have a social network, a sense of belonging, to experience intimacy, to experience meaning. In order to arrive at a division into active elements, a qualitative analysis was carried out of 119 loneliness interventions, described in 22 reviews of interventions. The result is a division into seven active elements: 'activities', 'meeting others', practical support', 'meaningful contact', 'interpersonal skills', 'realistic expectations' and 'meaningful role'. Most interventions combine several active elements. Some combinations of active elements are common. By mapping out the individual components of interventions, the effectiveness of each element can be evaluated. The use of a combination of active elements, and of general active elements such as good execution, may increase the effectiveness of interventions.